Clemson's top prospects for 2012

Hale McGranahan

07/04/2010

As the summer of 2010 gears up, CUTigers takes a look at the prospects that will be signing letters of intent just under two years from now. Here's a look at the names that will be household in one year.

Keep in mind offers that have been extended to 2012 prospects remain unofficial until the Sept. 1, when colleges are permitted to issue written offers. Those players with offers have received them verbally.

OT – Andrus Peat – Tempe, Ariz.
An absolute man-child on his sophomore film, Peat still has two years of high school ball before reaching the college game. Already at 6-6, 280 pounds, he's an early favorite to be considered the nation's top offensive tackle in the class. Clemson offensive guards/centers coach Brad Scott went west during this spring's evaluation period to check in on Peat and his older brother Todd, a 2011 defensive tackle. The Peat brothers have family in South Carolina and have already visited Clemson once—camp last summer.

North Carolina native Keith Marshall will be one of the next big names out of the Tar Heel state. (Scout.com)

RB – Keith Marshall – Raleigh, N.C.
Clemson's had a knack for picking up some of the top running back prospects in recent years, including the two that have committed to the 2011 class. The Tigers have already jumped into the mix for a 2012 back that's already making big-time waves on the recruiting scene. It's no wonder after his 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore.

CB – Deion Bonner – Columbus, Ga.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney hit Bonner with the unofficial, official news before the Tigers' spring game with the Carver crew on campus for a visit. Also with an offer from Georgia, Bonner has claimed the Bulldogs as his favorite in multiple interviews with CUTigers. Clemson is in second, though it's a distant runner-up position alongside Florida State. Watch-out for a big junior season. As a sophomore, Bonner had 10 interceptions.

TE – Artimas Samuel – Columbus, Ga.
It's yet another Carver High School prospect. This one looks to be growing into a tight end/h-back, though he's currently listed as a wide receiver by Scout.com. In fact, he's already picked up offers from Clemson, Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina. Check out his film and watch him block downfield as he nearly runs stride-for-stride with 2011 running back Isaiah Crowell.

Carver's Deion Bonner is just one of several big time prospects at the school for the 2012 class. (Scout.com)

DT – Dakota Ball – Lindale, Ga.
Ball, who could be the top prospect on the defensive side of the ball in Georgia for the class of 2012, picked up an offer from Clemson. Like Peat, Ball picked up his offer on signing day for the 2010 class. Ball received that offer shortly after Alabama promised he'd be receiving one in September. In-state Georgia has come forward with an offer, too. As it appears now, Ball is bound for the SEC.

WR – Jaquay Williams – Franklin, Ga.
Tall, long and lean, Williams is a vertical threat that's already picked up an offer from Clemson, with several other big-time programs showing interest.

OT – Oliver Jones – Ninety Six
Recently wrapped up his three-day trip to Clemson for the Dabo Swinney Football Camp, Jones has offers from the major in-state schools. Clemson was the first to offer. A candidate to be considered South Carolina's top offensive lineman in the class. Jones could be in the running as the state's best prospect next year.

Ninety-six's Oliver Jones could be the top lineman in South Carolina for the 2012 class. (Scout.com)

OT – Patrick Destefano – Roebuck, S.C.
Will compete with Jones for the title of best in-state offensive lineman in the class of 2012. Already with offers from the in-state major, Destefano camped at Clemson this past summer and it's believed that the trip helped the Tigers make up ground on Alabama. Claims offers from Clemson, South Carolina and Duke. Teammate of 2011 Clemson commits Charone Peake and Adam Humphries.

WR – Chris Black – Jacksonville, Fla.
Florida State remains out front, but Clemson did make up some ground after Black and several First Coast High School teammates were in Tigertown for the Dabo Swinney Football Camp in June. He possesses decent size, but is likely to do most the damage out of the slot at the college level.

S – Shaq Roland – Lexington
Two-sport star, who also stands out on the basketball court, Roland will be in the conversation as the top in-state prospect in the class. Currently, both of the major in-state schools have offered.